Experience the iconic Motatapu, Soho, and Glencoe Stations on this achievable mountain bike course.
This is your once-a-year chance to mountain bike an exclusive route through the breathtaking southern high country of New Zealand.
Starting at Glendhu Station near Lake Wānaka and finishing in historic Arrowtown, your journey follows a path once used by early Māori for hunting, gathering, and transporting Pounamu (Greenstone). Discovered by European explorers during the 1862 gold rush, this valley is rich in history.
The 47km ride features rivers to cross, hills to climb, and a few steep descents, making it an achievable challenge for all riders. The course comprises 30% well-maintained gravel road, 55% 4WD farm track with a gravel surface, and 7% 4WD farm track with a grass surface.
Whether you’re a pro, an amateur, or a newbie, the ride caters to all skill levels, with the everyday recreational rider truly embodying the event’s spirit.
For over two decades, mountain bikers from New Zealand and beyond have been racing the Motatapu. Now it’s your turn to embrace the adventure. Sign up today and take on the challenge!
Event Details
| Entry Fee | View Entry Fees here |
| Event Date | Saturday 1 March 2025 |
| Distance | 47km |
| Start Line | Glendhu Bay, Lake Wānaka |
| Finish Line | Wilcox Green, Arrowtown |
| Start Times |
The event start will take place over a 45min period in a self-seeding, controlled rolling start format (except Elite & Competitive category). The rolling start allows for a slow release of athletes over the start line – 10 riders at approximately 15-second intervals. It is essential that you start in the chute relevant to your capability. |
| Categories | ELITE: 16+yrs
The Elite start wave is limited to the first 180 riders to enter and qualify. To qualify for the Elite start wave you must have a previous Motatapu time that fits the below criteria. If you are a first timer, then email us at [email protected] with previous results.
OPEN: 16-18yrs, 19-29yrs, 30-39yrs, 40-49yrs, 50-59yrs, 60-69 yrs, 70+yrs E-BIKE: All E-Bikers. Non-competitive category. See E-Bike Specific Rules here. The E-bike category is limited to 300 riders. The E-Bike Category is a non-competitive event (not a race!) created for those who would not be able to bike through on a regular bike to experience the once-a-year access in the Motatapu Valley. |
| Minimum Age | Must be 16 years of age on race day to compete. |
| Placegetter Awards | A short presentation ceremony for the overall top 3 male and female placegetters for each event will be held at the finish line as soon as all 6 athletes have completed the event. Overall Male and Female solo winners will be awarded NZD$500.00. (There is no podium for the E-Bike division). There is no prize giving presentation ceremony for each age group category placegetters. 1st, 2nd and 3rd age category placegetters can collect their medal from the Winner’s Lounge at their leisure from 1pm. No awards will be mailed after the event. |
| Spot prizes | All competitors are eligible for a spot prize, which will be randomly drawn. A list of winners will be available at the Winner’s Lounge and on the Motatapu App. If your race number is showing on the list, then head along to the Winner’s Lounge tent and show your race number to collect your prize. The Winner’s Lounge will be open from 11am until 8pm in the finish area of Wilcox Green, Arrowtown. |
| Mandatory Gear & Bike checklist | Click here to view the requirements |
| Athlete Check-In | Friday 28 February, 3:00pm – 7:00pm, Wilcox Green, Arrowtown (optional)
Saturday 1 March, 6:30am – 8:40am, Glendhu Bay, Wānaka Collect your race plate at Athlete check-in. |
| Cut-off Times | Cut-off at Aid Station 1 (14km from start line) – 11:15am. Athletes missing this cut-off will return to Glendhu Bay with the event crew.
Cut-off at Aid Station 2 (22km from start line) – 12:45pm. Athletes missing this cut-off will return to Glendhu Bay with the event crew. Course cut off – 4:00pm Cut-off times will be strictly enforced, noting the time listed is the time you must be leaving the Aid Station, not arriving, and then stopping for 15 minutes. |
| Race Briefing | There will be a race briefing before you start. You must attend your race briefing. It will include up-to-date course and weather conditions. The briefing will be based on you having read all the information emailed to you about the event. |
Mandatory Gear & Bike Checklists
The Motatapu mandatory gear & bike list contains what we believe is the absolute minimum to keep you safe in the alpine environment. The weather is very unpredictable in the high country, a front can blow in and out of the mountains in less than 12 hours. It has been both sweltering hot and freezing cold in this area during March so you should be well prepared with all the necessary gear for all conditions, including snow, due to the high elevation of this event.
All competitors must carry the mandatory gear at all times during race day. No mandatory gear = no start!
All mountain bike competitors must ensure their bike is up to standard as per the bike checklist.
Officials can randomly check bikes (if applicable) and gear at any point during the event, including at the start and finish line. Officials have the right to stop an athlete for not adhering to the mandatory checklists. Any infringements may result in disqualification or removal from the event.
Mountain Bike entrants are not required to complete a bike check at a bike check store, however, we highly recommend booking a bike service with your local bike shop pre and post-event to ensure your bike is in top condition. Regular bike maintenance will increase the longevity of your bike’s life, minimise breakdowns and be easier on your pocket in the long run.
Start Line - Glendhu Bay
The following facilities are available at the Glendhu Bay start line, an Info Tent, toilets, parking, and a coffee vendor!
Please follow the directions of traffic marshals as to where to park. All vehicles are treated as parking and there is no drop-off area.
Please note that there will be heavy traffic flows heading towards Glendhu Bay on the event day. Please factor this into your travel time and take extreme care, watching for sudden stops in traffic.
Aid Stations
The 47km Mountain Bike has three self-service Aid Stations evenly spaced along the course. Refer to the course map for exact locations. Aid Stations will have water and PURE electrolyte hydration drink. Please note that the Aid Stations are predominately for the Trail Marathon runners, Mountain Bikers should be carrying what you need to complete the event. All Aid Stations are cup-free, you can refill your vessels at the Aid Stations.
**Please note: While we are here to help, please ensure you carry enough food and drink to get you through your race.
Bike Mechanics
While you must still carry the required competitor gear and ensure that you know how to use it, there will be mechanics riding the course, should you need assistance. They also stop at each Aid Station to see if anyone requires assistance. They will be identifiable with ‘Mechanic’ number plates.
Finish Line - Arrowtown
The finish line for all events is located at Wilcox Green, next to Nairn Street, in the heart of Arrowtown. The Finish area will offer the full post-race experience; where you can relax, soak up the atmosphere, appreciate a well-earned massage, refuel, and enjoy celebrating your achievement with friends and family. Make a day of it enjoying the local flavours of the region, with plenty of delicious food stalls, beer, and entertainment; whilst cheering on other finishers throughout the day.
Race Rules
Click here to view the Race Rules
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